Am I Pregnant / Could I be Preg...

Am I Pregnant? Could I be Pregnant?

When a woman is
concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, many emotions can
swirl about confusing and frustrating them. Relax. It's hard to, but
after having had intercourse you can't change that past event, and need
to focus on what to do next. Although any sexual contact has the
potential of leading to pregnancy (even pre-ejaculate on fingers can
potentially inseminate a woman) it's genital penetrative intercourse
(penile-vaginal sex) that has the highest likelihood of leading to
pregnancy.

Over the counter urine pregnancy tests are similar in
accuracy to the ones we physicians have in the office, and they are not
accurate generally until 2 weeks after intercourse. There are options
to reduce your risk of pregnancy before a pregnancy test could possibly
be positive, and you should talk to your doctor about those.

More
accurate than urine pregnancy tests is a blood test for the hormones
that rise in pregnancy, and those are accurate over the first few
months. The blood test is not routinely done unless a physician is:1) concerned about the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (implantation in a place other than uterus)2) after a miscarriage, following the beta HCG level to zero, showing that there is no remaining fetal tissue left in the uterus

Could I be pregnant?

If you had sexual contact, yes, you could be pregnant. It doesn't
mean you are pregnant, but there is always a possibility. The list of
symptoms below will give you a better idea if you're pregnant, but
there are only a few way to be 100% sure you are pregnant, and these
require time and a doctor's assistance.

MAYBE: It's possible you're pregnant if you have these symptoms:- Missed period, this is the way that many women find out they're pregnant, but only works if they're very regular with periods- Unusual or changed periods- "Feeling pregnant"- Nausea and vomiting, this is most common in the 1st 12 weeks.- Feeling kicks of the baby in your belly- Change in your sex drive- Sore & enlarging breasts- Peeing more- Appetite changes, with regard to type and amount (when extreme this is called "pica")- Tiredness- Extra small bumps on your nipples, called "Montgomery's Tubercules"- Stretch marks and other skin changes- Breast discharge, called "colostrum"

PROBABLY: Here are signs and symptoms that show you're probably pregnant:- Gradually increasing waistline- Positive urine pregnancy test (over the counter tests are about as good as ones in the doctor's office)- Gradually increasing uterus or changing uterine shape- Pressing on the abdomen and feeling a baby-like shape- Braxton-Hicks contractions, false labor

YES: Here are ways to be sure you're pregnant (again, these should ONLY be done with a doctor's supervision):- Hearing baby's heart beat using a portable ultrasound across your belly- Seeing a baby using ultrasound, with a beating heart-
Seeing a baby on xray. This way is not preferred and is found on
accident when someone is getting an abdominal xray for a different
reason- Lab test showing a normally doubling Beta HCG level after 48 hour interval

The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Med Help International, Inc. is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.